In the farmed land in Sweden we find seminatural grassland, which is among the most species- rich landscapes. Farmers play a crucial role in landscape for preserving and enhancing biodiversity, since these lands are results from the interaction between farmer and nature. This poses a challenge to form policy measures that pay attention both to qualities in the physical landscape and to the inhabitants. Consequently, local perspectives and recourses are central points of departure in planning for their future management. 

The poster presents implications for policy strategies on the basis of research on local views and capacities. Group interviews and action research have been carried out in two different areas in Western Sweden.

The findings show several difficulties in the interaction between the administrative system and local actors, due to differences in landscape perspectives. Strategies, which mainly are based on an ecological view, get into conflict with farmers practical understanding of the landscape they cultivate. Furthermore, rural people have the capacity to seek their own solutions, and local knowledge as well as social capital are essential resources. One conclusion is that future landscape policies ought to contain less detailed regulations, and instead promote awareness and local responsibility.